Reed Baer - Chief of Police

Chief Baer was raised in Hickory N. C. and joined the Hickory Police Department in 1997, where he began his career as a patrol officer. Over the years, Baer has served in several positions throughout the department to include Sergeant of Special Investigations, Sergeant assigned to Charles P.A.C.T. and Lieutenant assigned to Support Services. He was promoted to Captain/Division Commander of Support Services in 2010, Division Commander of Criminal Investigations in 2012 and Deputy Chief of Police in 2016. In February 2023, Baer was promoted to Chief of Police. Baer is a 1995 graduate of East Carolina University and the 245th session of the FBI National Academy. Baer holds memberships in the North Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the North Carolina Police Executives Association, The North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates. Baer has also been a strong advocate for children and currently serves on the Catawba County Board of Social Services. Baer also serves as a mentor in the Catawba County Council on Adolescents’ Lunch Buddy Program. When away from work, Baer values spending time with his family.